@garymdouglas
We would like to re-reference the point of view that they are "special needs" children; they are actually special talents children. We call them X-Men, after the Marvel Comic superhero team composed of mutants with an X-gene who use their extra powers and abilities for the benefit of humanity. For us, it's a term of affection. The X-Men are here with us on the planet to make waves. They are a mutation that is an expansion of the species, but they are being looked at as though they are a limitation. We don't believe that is true.
@annemaxwelllcsw
It infuriates them to be talked down to or patronized. When par-ents, other adults, or older siblings put themselves in a position of superiority over kids that we refer to as the X-Men, the kids tend to become angry. What if they don't view themselves as inferior? Autistic kids perceive so much, and they can become extremely frustrated when they have difficulty communicating that information to the people around them. They do take in information differently, and when people judge them or look down on them, they don't like it!